Switching from Open University to other University

[Rob M]

Afternoon all

I've been doing an OU degree for a couple of years now (a BSc(Hons) Computing with Business) and have enjoyed it immensely.

My employers have told me that they would be happy for me to change and do the degree through a different University on a part-time basis.

I think that doing the course (or an equivalent) through a 'proper' University would focus my mind more, and help me feel more at one (yes, I know ) with my education.

Has anybody had any experience in changing from OU to a different University, or does anybody know how this might work in practice (credit for previous OU modules etc)?

Also, if anybody has any good recommendations for Universities in East Anglia/Cambridge (or within striking/walking/tubing distance of King's Cross) that do IT related degrees then I would be grateful for that info too.

Thanks.

[homealone]

Shaun might know something about this, I believe he has done an OU course?

[dcclanuk]

Originally Posted by Raistlin

Has anybody had any experience in changing from OU to a different University, or does anybody know how this might work in practice (credit for previous OU modules etc)?

Also, if anybody has any good recommendations for Universities in East Anglia/Cambridge (or within striking/walking/tubing distance of King's Cross) that do IT related degrees then I would be grateful for that info too.

1. Yes, some/all modules are transferrable and you are still credited for them, but this depends on the university.

2. List the uni's you are looking at, and if I can recommend you anything I will try

[Rob M]

Originally Posted by dcclanuk

1. Yes, some/all modules are transferrable and you are still credited for them, but this depends on the university.

2. List the uni's you are looking at, and if I can recommend you anything I will try

Excellent, thanks.

I'm going to take a look at some Uni's online tomorrow - the main problem is that I just don't know where to start

[dcclanuk]

Originally Posted by Raistlin

Excellent, thanks.

I'm going to take a look at some Uni's online tomorrow - the main problem is that I just don't know where to start

I dont know for sure in your case, but UCAS www.ucas.com should be a good start [hopefully]

http://www.ucas.com/search/index08.html to be precise

Also, never think you are not going to fit into uni coz ur too old. I know people that have started the course that are 22/26/30+! I feel like the one that is one of the odd ones out since most people are quite a bit older than me, even tho i went to uni straight after A levels!

I got mates that are from all over the world, and all ages!!! Oldest being 26 People from Japan, China, Sri Lanka, Spain, France, Belgium, Lithuania, Malaysia... of the list goes on Apparently there are people from 30 different countries on my course ALONE! Also, speaking english means u are in the minority lol....... apart from the lecturer, 55+% are all speaking chinese lol................

To prepare u for uni... BBC means British Born Chinese lol.....

[Rob M]

Originally Posted by dcclanuk

I dont know for sure in your case, but UCAS www.ucas.com should be a good start [hopefully]

http://www.ucas.com/search/index08.html to be precise

Also, never think you are not going to fit into uni coz ur too old. I know people that have started the course that are 22/26/30+! I feel like the one that is one of the odd ones out since most people are quite a bit older than me, even tho i went to uni straight after A levels!

I got mates that are from all over the world, and all ages!!! Oldest being 26 People from Japan, China, Sri Lanka, Spain, France, Belgium, Lithuania, Malaysia... of the list goes on Apparently there are people from 30 different countries on my course ALONE! Also, speaking english means u are in the minority lol....... apart from the lecturer, 55+% are all speaking chinese lol................

To prepare u for uni... BBC means British Born Chinese lol.....

Thanks for all of that, I'll let you know how I get on.....but, wait a minute, what's this.....?

Originally Posted by dcclanuk

[...]never think you are not going to fit into uni coz ur too old[...]

Who told you I was nearly 30? Aaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrgggggghhhhhhh!

[dcclanuk]

Originally Posted by Raistlin

Thanks for all of that, I'll let you know how I get on.....but, wait a minute, what's this.....?





Who told you I was nearly 30? Aaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrgggggghhhhhhh!

It says Age: 29

[Rob M]

Originally Posted by dcclanuk

It says Age: 29

I know, it was an attempt at mock shock, surprise, gentle lead ins to a mid-life crisis

[Shaun]

Good advice dcclanuk, also give student support a call at the OU.
They will be able to point you in the right direction and send you all the info you need to give to your new uni. I think they even produce a booklet on how to swap but I may be mistaken*.

I'm sure it won't apply to computing but I know some university's don't allow you to move credit for some modules as their content doesn't overlap. For example De Montfort don't allow most people to migrate nursing module credits to them as the contents doesn't overlap. Saying that, the admissions tutor at your chosen uni will be able to advise you once you've picked one.

Good luck

*I'm sure I read it at a summer school but it may have been else where.

[Rob M]

Thanks Shaun, appreciate the help

[Damien]

Can OU credits be carryed over to a physical UCAS Uni? Its not the same system is it?

[Shaun]

It is. As long as the modules you've studied overlap with the modules you want them to cover.

For example S205 at the OU is a level 2 chemistry module. As long as the syllabus for this module covers the core concepts of the physical university module then they should allow you to move the points over.

Info on moving to the OU is here:

http://www3.open.ac.uk/credit-transfer/index.shtm

I'm sure if you follow the links there will be info on moving credit away from the OU too.